CWRU dean to depart for University of Miami role

The University of Miami appointed longtime Case Western Reserve University administrator Jeffrey L. Duerk its next executive vice president and provost.

Duerk, a Northeast Ohio native who starts in his new role July 1, is now dean of the Case School of Engineering. Case Western Reserve said an interim dean will be named prior to his departure and that a national search will launch shortly to find his permanent successor.

Duerk became dean of the engineering school five years ago after serving as chair of the department of biomedical engineering for about four years. Under his watch, the university advanced the development of its think[box] initiative from a pilot space to a 50,000-square-foot innovation space in the Richey-Mixon Building. Fundraising for the school also ballooned during his tenure.

"It was just 30 years ago that I walked across the stage and received my PhD here," Duerk said in a statement on the university's website. "I leave with immense gratitude for the opportunities I have had here, as well as for the privilege of working with truly outstanding colleagues and students; I have been inspired throughout my time at Case. As much as I look forward to becoming provost at the University of Miami, I will deeply miss both this place and its people."

In a statement, Case Western Reserve president Barbara Snyder said Duerk "brought new energy to the Case School of Engineering, and his leadership helped catalyze several impressive achievements."

She added, "We wish him the very best as he begins his work at the University of Miami."

In his new role, Duerk will oversee the University of Miami's 11 schools and colleges and other academic and research initiatives. He takes over for Thomas J. LeBlanc, who is stepping down to become president of George Washington University in Washington, D.C.